Bakes Heads In New Direction

Having made it past the 950 appearances barrier 'Sports' legend Darren Baker is now looking forward to a new chapter, and new challenge .....

..... in his 'career' at Priory Lane, as he moves onto the coaching staff at Eastbourne Borough FC.

On discussing this change of direction Darren described the factors driving the move. "As I have got older I have noticed that it takes longer for my body to recover these days, to get over injuries. Then, when you think you are fit the injury can flare up again in training or playing. After such a long career I do not want to do myself, or the club, an injustice with my performances. It is also difficult for The Gaffer to plan when its often unclear how long my recovery may take."

With this realisation dawning on Darren over recent weeks 'Bakes' sat down with Tommy Widdrington to discuss. The output of the meeting was an agreement that Darren would start to work with him (Widdrington), Alan Kimble and the other coaches on the coaching side of the 'divide'.

"Darren has a wealth of playing experience, and that experience was all gained at this club, so that knowledge and history is priceless and a resource we must use", was Widdringtons comment on the 'move'. "I'm delighted to have Darren onboard and look forward to working with him in the future."

Delight was also in the comment from Baker. "Facing a winding down in your playing career was difficult and it took some time to approach The Gaffer. However I was pleased with the conversation and delighted with the outcome. I had no desire to go anywhere else, and this club, and the people within it are exactly right for me to start down the coaching road. I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

The club retains Darren's playing registration but it is expected that Boro fans will see him in a track-suit, cones and bibs in hand, more often than in the familiar Red of the playing kit.